Dominican student, president Obama launch US education push

New York.- Dominican-born student Darinel Montero was chosen to present to US president Barack Obama the launch of the "My Brother’s Keeper," an education initiative by the federal government and private companies, held at Lehman College in the Bronx.

The president was impressed by Montero’s speech and immediately gave him a congratulatory hug.

The program is designed to finance the studies of students of color and minorities, including Latinos, African Americans, Asians and other groups, which Obama says have fewer opportunities for undergraduate programs.

Speaking to Black and Latino youth Obama listed the challenges they face in the US such as hurdles in education, a lack of mentoring and other issues.

Obama said US$80 million in private funds have been set aside to help those students succeed.

"This is an initiative to address persistent opportunity gaps and ensure that all our young people, especially those of color, have the opportunity to go as far as their dreams will take them."

Montero, a student in the Bronx’s International High School, hails from Haina, a town in southern Dominican Republic.